Explore AAA Travel
About Carson CityCarson City, founded in 1858 and named for frontiersman Kit Carson, was designated as the state capital in 1864 and flourished as a result of the copious silver output coming from the Comstock Lode in nearby Virginia City. The capital of Nevada is conveniently located about midway between Reno and Lake Tahoe. This is rugged country, and the stretch of US 50 heading west to Lake Tahoe and the California border is especially scenic. From its junction with US 395 downtown, the highway cuts through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and then follows the lake's southeastern shoreline.
The 19th-century silver-domed Capitol, with additions and restorations, is still in use today. The old Assembly and Senate chambers, including a museum display about the Capitol, can be visited. Self-guiding tour brochures are available at the Carson City Visitors Bureau. The Legislative Building, south of the Capitol, also is open to the public; phone (775) 687-4810 or (800) 978-2878. Antique firefighting equipment, old photographs and a series of Currier & Ives prints depicting firefighters can be seen at the Warren Engine Company No. 1 Fire Museum, 777 S. Stewart St., by advance appointment; phone (775) 887-2210.
The 2.5-mile Kit Carson Trail winds through Carson City's extensive historic homes district. Carriage stone markers denote various city landmarks and provide anecdotes about some of the town's more notable personalities.
The historic Virginia and Truckee Railroad travels a path once blazed by the 1860s Comstock silver boom. Covering 16 miles of newly restored track, the Sisters in History sightseeing excursion between Carson City and Virginia City offers scenic vistas of the Carson River and the Sierra Nevada range, navigating tunnels and passing abandoned mine shafts and old cemeteries en route. Passengers might even catch a glimpse of wild mustangs.
Steam and diesel trains depart from the Eastgate Depot, 6 miles east of Carson City via US 50 to Flint Drive (following signs). One-way and round-trip outings run daily, late May through October; phone (775) 847-0380.
The Foreman-Roberts House Museum, 1207 N. Carson St., was built in approximately 1859 and was relocated to Carson City in 1874. The method of its arrival in town is still debated; the current theory is that it was hauled by mules or oxen on a rolling foundation of tree trunks. The Gothic Revival house, said to be the city's oldest, has a steeply pitched roof and gingerbread trim; period furnishings decorate the interior. Now the headquarters of the Carson City Historical Society, it is open to the public during special events and also can be toured by appointment for a $3 fee; phone (775) 887-8865.
Local events include late October's Nevada Day Celebration, a festival with a carnival and parade.
Outdoor activities are plentiful in Carson City and the surrounding area. Biking and hiking trails wind through parks, and the Carson River and area lakes provide ample opportunities for fishing. Hunting and horseback riding also are popular.
Golfers will feel like they've died and gone to heaven when confronted with the “Divine 9,” nine golf courses dotting the Carson Valley in and around Carson City. Varied terrain with a dramatic backdrop of 10,000-foot mountain peaks presents challenges for every skill level; phone (866) 928-4653.
Century-old cottonwood trees shade the Carson Valley Golf Course, 2 miles south of Gardnerville off US 395; phone (775) 265-3181. Arnold Palmer was the architect behind the sculpted links at the Dayton Valley Golf Club, in Dayton; phone (775) 246-7888. Johnny Miller created the layout at the Genoa Lakes Golf Club & Resort in Genoa, situated on land that was a cattle ranch in the 1850s; phone (775) 782-4653. Altogether the Divine 9 offer 171 holes of championship golf.
Visitor Centers Carson City Visitors Bureau 716. N. Carson St. Carson City, NV 89701. Phone:(775)687-7410 or (800)638-2321
Self-guiding ToursA walking tour map featuring descriptions of historic Carson City sites and a walking tour map of the Kit Carson Trail are available from the Carson City Visitors Bureau.
Things to Do Brewery Arts Center
Nevada State Museum, Carson City
There are plans to open the Nevada State Prison, which closed in 2012, as a museum. A bill recently passed regarding funding. Follow up on progress for 2017 edition. ek 8/10/15...UPDATE: Per Glen Whorton, President of the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society, they are in the process of obtaining ADA-compliant permits to open the museum with interactive exhibits and offer guided tours. They should be in a position this time next year to provide information. The preservation society’s website is nspps.org and telephone no. is (775) 297-0240. In 2017 Glen can be contacted directly via his cell no. (775) 722-0394. clc 4/28/16
Carson City, NV
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
Members save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Courtyard by Marriott3870 S Carson St. Carson City, NV 89701
Book NowMembers save up to 10% and earn Honors points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Hampton Inn & Suites Carson City10 Hospitality Way. Carson City, NV 89706
Book NowAs a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.
